Tyrone denies residential request

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 9:48amBen Nelms

There was little discussion Nov. 1 as the Tyrone Town Council voted unanimously to deny a proposed rezoning of nearly 36 acres on Laurelwood Drive to a classification that would lead to the establishment of one-acre lots for 11 homes. The current zoning requires three-acre lots on the site.

Shaw Custom Homes president Graham Shaw told the council he bought the property in March. The infrastructure is already in place for 11 lots, Shaw said, adding that the cost of reconfiguring the streets to accommodate fewer than 11 lots would be cost-prohibitive.

Prior to the vote, Councilwoman and nearby resident Gloria Furr asked if potential blasting to clear homesites would pose any risk to adjacent homes or wells. Shaw responded saying he did not believe blasting rock would be required. Also weighing in on the question was town attorney Dennis Davenport, who said if blasting was required and if adjacent properties were damaged the developer would be liable for those damages.

Town Manager Kyle Hood in his report echoed the recommendation of the town’s Planning Commission that recommended denial of the rezoning request, adding that the R-20 (one-acre) designation was not consistent with the town’s future land use designation.

The vote by the council was 3-0. Councilman Ken Matthews was not present at the meeting.

Though totaling 35.72 aces, the reason of so few homes, whether one-acre or three-acre lots, is due to the rough terrain found on portions of the property.